Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First detected case of rabbit Haemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) in the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)
- Journal:
- Irish Veterinary Journal
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Aideen Kennedy et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) · GB
- Species:
- rabbit
Plain-English summary
In July 2019, the first case of a virus called RHDV2, which causes rabbit hemorrhagic disease, was found in a wild Irish hare. This hare showed unusual behavior, like running in circles, before it died. A thorough examination after death revealed pink foam in its windpipe and swollen lungs, but no bleeding in other organs. Tests confirmed that the hare had high levels of the virus in its liver and spleen, and there was damage to the liver. This case shows that Irish hares can get infected with RHDV2, and more research is needed to understand the effects on their health and population.
Abstract
Abstract Background Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a Lagovirus, a subgroup of the family Caliciviridae. RHDV2 is a variant first described in France in 2010, and has since spread globally. It has been reported in several Lagomorph species (rabbits, hares, and their relatives) as well as other mammals including voles and shrews. The disease has raised international concerns for its potential impact on population abundance trajectories, particularly as 25% of Lagomorphs are currently Red-Listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) is a subspecies of the mountain hare, L. timidus, and is endemic to Ireland, making it an Evolutionarily Significant Unit of intrinsic value. Case presentation The first case of RHDV2 was detected in a wild Irish hare in July 2019. The individual exhibited atypical neurological behaviour (running in circles) prior to death. On necropsy, pink tinged foam was seen in the trachea and congestion was noted in the lungs, but there was no evidence of haemorrhages in any other organ. Both the liver and spleen were tested by reverse transcription real time qPCR confirming high levels of RHDV2 RNA. Histopathology confirmed multifocal necrotising hepatitis. Conclusion The Irish hare is susceptible to RHDV2 infection. Further investigation is warranted to explore the clinical, epidemiological, and population biology implications.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-021-00205-2